Add ADHD Medications to Your Treatment Plan
Stimulants decrease ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of adults and children who take them. They can't cure ADHD and the negative effects can be unpleasant.
Your doctor will prescribe the medicine that's right for you, and the appropriate dosage and schedule. You may need to stop certain medications such as antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants before starting stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. They are the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD. They are available as tablets with immediate release or extended-release capsules, as well as chewable tablets for children who have difficulty swallowing. These medications can be prescribed for children, teens or an adult. Some people who take this medication experience adverse reactions. They can be mild or serious. If they cause problems, the medication or its dose might need to be altered.
The most commonly used stimulant medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It's also known under the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, increasing their levels and enhancing concentration and attention. It is available in tablets or an extended-release tablet which is taken every day in the morning. Children who have trouble swallowing liquids or pills can take the chewable version this medication, which is composed of beads that are easy to chew.
You can also purchase it in patch that releases the medicine slowly throughout the day. have a peek at this website are usually given in the form of small doses at first, which may be gradually increased over time. Most patients who take these drugs will see their GP or specialist regularly to check how they're doing and look for any indications of problems.
Amphetamines were the most well-known stimulant drug until recently. They were abused by truck drivers, athletes and students to keep them awake and boost energy. People with eating disorders took them to lose weight. Amphetamines can be highly addictive and can cause psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations. Unlike most add ADHD medications, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means that they are susceptible for abuse. People who abuse these drugs frequently combine them with other substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine, which increases the chance of becoming addicted.
There are a myriad of options for people who need to take additional ADHD medications. In addition to stimulants, there are several non-stimulant medicines that have been approved for ADHD treatment for children as well as adults. These medications differ from stimulants, but they can help improve ADHD symptoms. They do not produce the same kind of highs and lows that are common when taking stimulant medication.
These include the guanfacine (brand name Toleranse) and the atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and viloxazine (brand name Qelbree). These drugs affect different brain receptors than stimulants and have a less dramatic impact on the child's heart rate or blood pressure. The precise way in which these drugs work to treat ADHD isn't fully understood but they are believed to enhance the activity of certain neurons in the prefrontal cortex. They may hinder excessive stimulation of the noradrenergic D1 receptors as well as dopamine a2-adrenoceptors in this region, which could affect spatial working memory function. This is an area of ongoing research. Research suggests that these medicines might be more effective than stimulants when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms, particularly in children.